Pacific Mackerel
Scomber japonicus
Also known as Chub mackerel, Spanish mackerel
Culinary Profile
Rich with a pronounced flavor.
Flaky and moist.
Pacific mackerel is a good source of riboflavin and vitamin B6, and a very good source of protein, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Gastronomic Specifications
Biology & Habitat
Appearance
The body of the Pacific mackerel tapers at both ends. They have a pointy head and a large mouth. The head is dark blue, the back is dark blue with about 30 dark wavy lines, and the undersides are silver green. Pacific mackerel can be distinguished from other mackerel by counting the finlets on their back; Pacific mackerel typically have four to six finlets.
Biology
Pacific mackerel grow fast, up to 25 inches and more than 6 pounds. They can live up to 18 years but are able to reproduce by age 4, and sometimes as early as age 1. They spawn at different times of the year, depending on where they live. Pacific mackerel spawn from late April to September off California, year-round off central Baja California peaking from June through October, and from late fall to early spring off…
Where They Live
Range Pacific mackerel are found from southeastern Alaska to Mexico but are most common south of Point Conception, California. Habitat Pacific mackerel live within 20 miles of shore in water ranging from 50˚ to 72˚ F. When the population is small, they tend to occupy only the warmer part of their habitat. Juveniles live off sandy beaches, around kelp beds, and in open bays.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Year-round, but primarily in summer.
Source
U.S. wild-caught from Washington to California.
Commercial Fishery & Harvest
Commercial fishery: In 2024, commercial landings of Pacific mackerel totaled 3.3 million pounds and were valued at $800,000, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database . There is no directed fishery for mackerel in Oregon or Washington, but small amounts are taken incidentally by whiting trawlers and salmon trollers. Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Round haul nets are used to catch Pacific mackerel. Habitat and bycatch impacts are minimal because the gear is used at the surface. Recreational fishery: Recreational fishermen catch Pacific mackerel in California but seldom target them. The statewide recreational harvest makes up a small fraction (less than 5 percent in weight) of the total landings.
Nutritional Benchmarking Across 104 Species
Where Pacific Mackerel ranks against the rest of the catalogue on each of USDA FoodData Central's per-100 g nutrient measures.
| Nutrient | Value | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 DHA | 1012 mg | 4 / 104 | 96% |
| Omega-3 EPA | 329 mg | 14 / 104 | 87% |
| Vitamin D | 7.3 IU | 15 / 54 | 72% |
| Selenium | 36.5 µg | 32 / 106 | 70% |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4 µg | 37 / 106 | 65% |
| Protein | 19.29 g | 46 / 111 | 59% |
| Zinc | 0.49 mg | 54 / 111 | 51% |
| Phosphorus | 205 mg | 57 / 111 | 49% |
| Choline | 50.5 mg | 63 / 65 | 3% |
| Iron | 0.44 mg | 72 / 111 | 35% |
Other Species in Genus Scomber
2 close biological relatives of Pacific Mackerel profiled in this catalogue — typically sharing similar anatomy, depth range, and fishery management.
| Species | Scientific name | Protein (g/100 g) | Omega-3 DHA (mg) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Chub Mackerel | Scomber colias | 18.6 | 1401 | Smart Choice |
| Atlantic Mackerel | Scomber scombrus | 18.6 | 1401 | Smart Choice |
Other West Coast Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as Pacific Mackerel.
California Market Squid
Doryteuthis (Loligo) opalescens
Mild, and subtly sweet.
Lingcod
Ophiodon elongatus
A mild-tasting fish.
Northern Anchovy
Engraulis mordax
Canned or salted anchovies have a pronounced, salty tang, and fresh anchovies have a rich but subtle taste and a soft te…
Pacific Sardine
Sardinops sagax caerulea
When fresh, small sardines have a delicate flavor. Larger sardines have a fuller, oilier flavor, similar to anchovies bu…
Pacific Whiting
Mercluccius productus
Mild and slightly sweet.
Widow Rockfish
Sebastes entomelas
Delicate, nutty flavor.
Similar by Flavour: Other Rich-Tasting Species
If you enjoy the rich flavour profile of Pacific Mackerel, these other species in the catalogue will feel familiar on the palate.
Almaco Jack
Seriola rivoliana
Almaco jack has a clean, sweet, rich, slightly nutty, buttery flavor.
Atlantic Chub Mackerel
Scomber colias
Rich, pronounced flavor.
Atlantic Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
Mackerel has a rich, pronounced flavor. For a milder flavor, cut out the outer bands of dark meat along the midline.
Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Buttery, rich taste.
Atlantic Sea Scallop
Placopecten magellanicus
Sea scallops have a sweet, rich taste that can be mild or briny.
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Rich, full flavor. The larger the fish, the more pronounced the taste. A strong-flavored, dark strip of meat on the fillet may be removed be…
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages the Pacific Mackerel fishery?
NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council manage the Pacific mackerel fishery. Managed under the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan : Catch limits are in place to end and prevent overfishing. Permits are needed to harvest Pacific mackerel. Gear restrictions are in place to reduce bycatch.
Is Pacific Mackerel a good source of vitamin B12?
Yes — Pacific Mackerel provides 2.4 µg of vitamin B12 per 100 g raw, which is 100% of the 2.4 µg daily value.
Is Pacific Mackerel a good source of omega-3 fatty acids?
Per 100 g raw, Pacific Mackerel supplies 329 mg of EPA and 1012 mg of DHA — the two long-chain omega-3s most cited in cardiovascular research.
Sustainability Story
U.S. wild-caught Pacific mackerel is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Stock Structure
Pacific mackerel is not overfished (2023 stock assessment), and not subject to overfishing based on 2023 catch data. Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART . Pacific mackerel naturally experience “boom and bust” cycles of abundance, which is typical of other small pelagic species that have relatively short life spans and high reproduction rates.
Population
The stock is not overfished.
Fishing Rate
Not subject to overfishing.
Habitat Impacts
The gear used to catch Pacific mackerel is used at the surface and has little impact on bottom habitat.
Bycatch
Bycatch is low because gear used is selective.
Management
NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council manage the Pacific mackerel fishery. Managed under the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan : Catch limits are in place to end and prevent overfishing. Permits are needed to harvest Pacific mackerel. Gear restrictions are in place to reduce bycatch.
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 21 values
Energy
Macronutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy). %DV is percent of 2,000-kcal daily value for adults.
calendar_month Harvest Season
Frozen available year-round.